Preinduction cervical softening with endocervical PGE2 gel. A multi-center trial

In a prospective, randomized trial, a single dose of PGE2 gel, 0.5 mg (2.5 ml), was given to 416 low Bishop Score patients 12 h prior to indicated oxytocin induction and compared with 404 non-gel controls. Successful initial induction was achieved in 83% of the treated and 58% of the non-treated subjects. In addition the induction-delivery interval was shortened (median times 9.0 h vs. 11.3 h) and fewer cesarean sections were performed (16% vs. 21%) in the PGE2 gel series. The endocervical administration of PGE2 was well tolerated and, provided care is taken to avoid excess extra-amniotic placement, systemic PGE2 effects are minimal.